2026 Airstream Rally Community Service Project
Backpack Buddies
10 Elementary & 2 Junior High Schools in Our Program
Number of Food Bags We'll Pack on August 27th
Minot Students Fed Every Weekend
Dollar 2026 Airstream Convention Donation Goal
Make a Donation
About The Program
What is the Backpack Buddies program and how does it help local children?
The Backpack Buddies program by Souris Valley United Way helps fight childhood food insecurity by providing weekend meals to local children in need. Every Thursday, volunteers discreetly deliver bags filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to area schools. Teachers then place these bags into students’ backpacks, ensuring kids have access to meals over the weekend when school meals aren’t available.
How can I support the Backpack Buddies program?
You can support Backpack Buddies by making a monetary donation, bringing food items to the convention, or volunteering your time during the packing event on August 27th. Each weekly food bag costs just $8 and provides meals and snacks to feed a child through the weekend. Donations can be made online or by mail to our office.
If you choose to mail a donation, please note that you are part of the 2026 Airstream Convention.
What food items can I donate?
To keep weekends exciting and balanced, we rotate four different menus. The items below are foods commonly used in our Backpack Buddies bags.
- Crystal Lite Packets
- Mac N Cheese Cups
- Fruit Snacks
- Tuna (3-oz pouch)
- Instant Oatmeal Packets (2 given per bag)
- Chicken Ramen Packets (2 given per bag)
- Applesauce Pouches (not cups)
- Granola Bars (no peanut butter, please)
- Canned Chicken Noodle Soup
- Single-Serve Cereal Boxes
- Chef Boyardee
- Chicken Salad Kits
- Individual Snack Packs (1-oz or larger): Goldfish, Cheez-Its, Pretzels, Animal Crackers, Chex Mix, Popcorn
Which schools are included in the Backpack Buddies program?
Backpack Buddies currently serves students in all local elementary schools, including Edison, Sunnyside, Roosevelt, Washington, Perkett, Lewis & Clark, Bel Air, John Hoeven, Longfellow and Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch, along with Central Middle School and Jim Hill Middle School. The program started at Sunnyside Elementary in 2014 and has grown thanks to strong community support.
